Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper today named the current Republican head of one of the most powerful Western Slope organizations as his new director of local affairs, and he tapped a Democratic former union president to be his labor director.

Hickenlooper, a Democrat, named Reeves Brown to head the Department of Local Affairs. Brown is now the executive director of Club 20, a mostly conservative organization that represents 22 western Colorado counties.

“Reeves Brown cares passionately about good government and he cares passionately about the state of Colorado,” Hickenlooper said in a statement. “His naturally collaborative approach will help set the tenure of our administration.”

Raised on a cattle ranch in Montana, Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Montana State University. He has worked for the National Cattleman’s Association and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.

The Department of Local Affairs administers a number of grants and programs that assist cities and counties in areas ranging from emergency management to property tax administration to homelessness and affordable housing.

Meanwhile, Hickenlooper named Ellen Golombek as his pick to head the Department of Labor and Employment.

Golombek is now the Colorado director for America Votes, a group backed by liberal and labor organizations aimed at increasing voter registration and turnout. Previously, Golombek worked for 14 years with the Service Employees International Union and Colorado AFL-CIO, including serving as the first woman president of the Colorado AFL-CIO in 2000.

“Ellen is a proven strategic thinker who has a collaborative work-style and extensive experience working with the labor and business communities,” Hickenlooper said. “Her work and the work of the Department of Labor and Employment will play a key role in our effort to support those looking for or creating jobs.”

Golombek also worked for Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C., and New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in labor studies from Antioch University.

The Department of Labor and Employment helps job seekers and businesses with wage and employment issues and keeps state labor statistics. It also administers the state’s unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation programs.

“I understand why the President’s compromise on extending the Bush tax cuts is controversial and imperfect, particularly with regard to deficit reduction. But a prolonged political fight over the tax cuts and extending unemployment benefits would not be good for the country or the economy.

“As I approach the job of balancing Colorado’s budget and getting our state’s economy on track, what happens in Washington can make a big difference. I am hopeful that President Obama’s effort at compromise in Washington will be successful.”

Update:Hickenlooper added this comment in response to Owens’ boast about better coordination: “”Gov. Owens is indeed very coordinated – at least for his age.”

Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper and former Gov. Bill Owens have a Christmas surprise for Denver.

The two are tentatively set to appear together on stage in a Dec. 23 production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, says Owens. The former Republican governor said his daughter, Monica, helped set up the appearance, which won’t actually involve much ballet by the two men.

“I believe we are Sherpas or something,” Owens said, adding tongue-in-cheek, “I think because of our muscular frames we are carrying something, maybe a person, then standing attentively and looking very ballet-esque and then retiring graciously to the side.

“It’s more than a cameo,” he said. “I think we’re on stage for 10 minutes or so.”

Though Owens has been to Russia many times, he said he’s never actually seen “The Nutcracker.” Now he’s pirouetting straight into the show, though neither of the men has professional ballet experience.

“No deux!” you say? Owens has high hopes for the evening.

“I’ll undoubtedly do a better job than John because I’m better coordinated,” Owens said.

The champagne will flow like whitewater when the Rapids return to Denver

Update:Ritter’s office says it has proclaimed Tuesday as “Rapids Crimson Colorado Day” and ordered the Rapids flag be flown over the Capitol.

While the level of excitement in Denver over last night’s Major League Soccer Cup victory by the Colorado Rapids doesn’t appear to be approaching, say, the Rockies being in the World Series or the Broncos playing in the Superbowl, the crimson-clad footballers are still getting official recognition.

Gov. Bill Ritter plans to call the Rapids today (presumably after they wake up in Toronto) to congratulate them on their 2-1 win over FC Dallas.

“A huge thank you to the Rapids for once again making Denver and Colorado a champion on the athletic field,” Ritter said in a statement. “Our hometown soccer team showed incredible heart to clinch a playoff berth, to advance through the playoffs and to win last night’s final – against a team from Texas no less.

“On behalf of all Coloradans, congratulations to the Rapids. They demonstrated what it means to never give up, and they are truly an inspiration to all of us.”

Gov.-elect, and current Denver mayor, John Hickenlooper will participate in a celebration being organized for Tuesday, said his spokesman, Eric Brown.

Details of the celebration Tuesday are still coming, but the Rapids’ website said the team will at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 4 p.m. today.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.